If all else fails, STP can operate up to 21 days per unit, official said

By ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT
March 29, 2011 at 7:02 p.m.Updated March 28, 2011 at 10:29 p.m.

At South Texas Project Operating near Bay City, the risk of losing all power sources is minimal, unlike other nuclear power plants, said Buddy Eller, director of communication/public affairs for the nucelar plant.

STP is the only power plant that has independent safety systems that protects each unit, he said.

The nuclear power plant also has multiple offsite power sources that could supply electricity in the case of an emergency. Within each independent system, there is a diesel generator that would automatically start in the event of a blackout condition. Combined, these three diesel generators could supply power to each unit for up to 21 days, Eller said.

In the event the power supplies are unavailable, and all six diesel generators are not working, a scenario that is highly improbable, STP can still keep the unit in a stable condition as the units are cooled down using a steam driven auxiliary feed water systems, coupled with natural re-circulation, Eller said.